Botox is well known as one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the US. It has become a household name for OnabotulinumtoxinA. Botox was FDA approved in 2002 for cosmetic use in the “elevens,” the frown lines that form between your brows. In the fall of 2013 Botox also gained approval for “crow’s feet” or the smile lines that form near your eyes. Physicians have used Botox to improve a number of other fine lines and wrinkles, but you can also use the resulting relaxation of the muscles to non-surgically reshape your face!
Lateral Brow Lift
Botox can be injected just under your outer eyebrow to relax the muscles that pull it down, resulting in a lifting of the outer portion of the eyebrow. This helps to open up the eyes and give you a refreshed appearance.
Widening the Eyes
Do your eyes narrow too much when you smile? If so, a single injection of Botox under each eye can help to keep your eyes more open when you smile.
Lifting the Tip of the Nose
Gravity and your facial muscles work together to pull the tip of your nose downward. Botox can be used just under the nose to decrease the activity of the muscles pulling downward. This lets the tip of the nose lift up a bit. Unfortunately, we can’t do anything about gravity!
Treating a “Gummy Smile”
If too much of your upper gum line shows when you grin, Botox can help to relax the muscles that elevate the upper lip. This leads to a lengthening of the upper lip and decreases the gum show when you smile.
Softening the Chin
A prominent mentalis muscle can make your chin appear large and can lead to a horizontal line just under your lower lip. Botox can be used to relax this muscle, making the chin softer.
Improving a “Perpetual Frown”
As we age, many people note that they are frequently asked “what’s wrong” or “why are you angry/sad?” Gravity again works with your muscles in the lower face to pull the corners of your mouth downward. By using Botox to relax the activity of the muscles that pull down, you get an unopposed activity of the muscles that pull up. This helps to counteract the effects of gravity, lifting the corners of the mouth.
Tapering the Face
A square jaw is attractive on a man, but women generally want a more graceful appearance. Whatever the reason for your masseter muscles being too prominent, Botox can help to relax those muscles, turning a square face into a more oval one.
Whether you are looking to improve your wrinkles or are considering a “Liquid Face Lift” the experienced doctors at Imagen Body Sculpting and Cosmetic Center can help you determine the best course of action to help you look your best. Please contact us or call our clinic at 402.509.8473 if you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Jennifer Tighe de Soto, MD is a cosmetic surgeon who is board certified through the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. For more advice from Dr. de Soto on Botox, Dysport, Anti-aging or other aesthetic treatments please visit www.omahaliposuction.com where you can read her blog and see before and after photos of actual patients. If there’s a topic you would like to see us cover in a blog, please Contact Us.
